Nijat Abasov, who will compete in the Candidates Tournament, gave an interview to the official website of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation.
Idman.biz reports that the 29-year-old grandmaster expressed his views on the competition to be held in Toronto, Canada, on April 2-25.
- For the first time in your career, you will participate in the Challengers Tournament. What does participation in a prestigious competition mean to you?
- Becoming a world champion is the ultimate goal of each professional athlete. The Candidates Tournament is the first step toward the world chess championship, and we are currently one step away from that stage of the competition.
- So it can be said that it is the main race of your career?
- I agree with this idea. Participating in the Challenger Tournament is a turning point in my career. It is undoubtedly the most important race of my career.
- It is interesting to know your opinion about the chess players participating in the Candidates Tournament...
- There is a very young team in the competition. If I'm not mistaken, I'm fifth in age. Three chess players younger than me are participating. A very young squad will struggle. There are quite ambitious chess players in the team. It will be a tough fight. In my opinion, the presence of three Indian chess players is a special factor. Usually, India was always represented by world champion Viswanathan Anand. Now three contenders will compete. There are 4 chess players with no experience in the tournament.
- According to you, who is the most difficult opponent?
- First of all, the most difficult opponent is myself. That is, if I collect my strength and show the game I want, every party can have an equal fight.
- Until you, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Teimour Radjabov participated in the Candidates Tournament. Have you had a chat with them to feel the atmosphere of the race?
- Both Teimour and Shakhriyar have great experience in this competition. Both have competed in the Candidates Tournament many times. I took part in Teymur Rajabov's team in the last Candidates Tournament, and I was directly interested in the competition as I was his "secondary". I have gained some experience by participating in the process. Of course, the participant has different obligations. Undoubtedly, their experience will play an invaluable role in my participation.
- What is the main goal for you?
- My main goal for the competition starts with doing my best in the preparation process. I want to see the results in the tournament by preparing as well as possible. Looking back after the tournament, there should not be a moment that I wish I had done differently. Therefore, I wish to do as well as possible with maximum preparation.
- When do you start preparing?
- Preparations have already started. I have to thank the Azerbaijan Chess Federation and personally the head of the ACF Mahir Mammadov for the conditions created for the preparation. The Federation does not spare its support.
- Thank you for the interview. What would you like to say to chess fans...?
- I need the support shown at the World Cup again. It is important to support not only me, but all chess players of our country. Sometimes you fail, but never lose faith. We all strive to be successful. Their support gives us extra strength.
Idman.biz
